Regular Home Maintenance is Key

In many regions, fall is the perfect season to tackle general home maintenance projects because the weather is generally dry and temperatures are moderate. Before you start your seasonal home maintenance checklist, examine your home's interior and exterior. Most of these tasks can be accomplished without the help of a professional, but it's always better to be safe and call for assistance if a project is beyond your abilities. 

• Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.
• Have the forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.
• Check the fireplace for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues. Have your fireplace professionally inspected.
• Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.
• Replace old, drafty windows for more energy efficient models. 
• Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint. 
• Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
• Power wash windows and siding. 
• Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. 
• Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
• Drain and winterize exterior plumbing including hoses and in-ground sprinkler systems.
• Tune up major home appliances before the holidays.
• Repair or replace siding.
• Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.
• Clean carpets. 
• Clean window and door screens.
• Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.
• Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
• Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages. 
• Check the water heater for leaks.
• Practice pest prevention by keeping firewood away from the house, trimming shrubs, and repairing rotten or broken woodwork. Remove any wasp nests hanging from eaves or overhangs.

Inspecting your home and completing monthly home improvement projects will keep your maintenance schedule on track and easier to manage. Follow this comprehensive home maintenance checklist each month to help save time and money:  

• Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups, make it easier to regulate your home's temperature, and ultimately decrease energy bills.   
• Check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.   
• Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral deposits.   
• Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog if necessary.   
• Test smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and all ground-fault circuit interrupters.   
• Inspect electrical cords for wear.   
• Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.   
• Check that indoor and outdoor air vents are not blocked.  
•  Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment.   
• Clean the garbage disposal by grinding ice cubes, then flushing with hot water and baking soda.